Two NE Miss. lawmakers top pay scale

State Reps. Jim Beckett of Bruce and Donnie Bell of Fulton were among the highest paid lawmakers, at more than $57,000 each, according to the state auditor's annual Legislative Expense Report.

Only those in top leadership positions took home more money than Beckett and Bell, who received $57,500 and $58,313, respectively over 11 months ending in early April. Mississippi's part-time lawmakers receive a base of $22,000 a year, but are compensated for travel and other expenses and receive stipends when they come to Jackson.

The 122 House members and 52 senators are paid $10,000 for their work in the regular session which lasts three months or so, and $1,500 a month for the rest of the year, for the $22,000 base.

The report shows Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, who presides over the Senate, received far less than the Speaker of the House, Philip Gunn. Gunn received $93,126.21 compared to Reeves' $77,185.30. The speaker's pay is higher per state law.

When asked about the disparity, Reeves spokeswoman Laura Hipp said "The lieutenant governor knew what the pay was when he ran for the office."

During this year's session, some members questioned why the budget for the Legislature has increased over the last several years.

State Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, said Friday he raised concerns in March about the Legislature's spending.

"I wasn't accusing anyone of doing anything; I just wanted an answer to how the money was being spent," Brown said.

Brown said legislative spending of $7.5 million is roughly $4 million to $5 million more than it was when Billy McCoy was speaker. He said he knew the budget would be higher for the new four-year term that began in 2012 because it's a longer session, but he said the budget didn't decrease for the 2013 Legislature.

"I still haven't gotten a satisfactory answer for the budget," Brown said.

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Two NE Miss. lawmakers top pay scale

State Reps. Jim Beckett of Bruce and Donnie Bell of Fulton were among the highest paid lawmakers, at more than $57,000 each, according to the state auditor's annual Legislative Expense Report.Only